Prominent figures such as Magda Fyssa, Iasonas Apostolopoulos, Yiannis Maggos, as well as survivors of the Pylos shipwreck, and defence lawyers for the Kalamata 9 will speak at the event. The concert will feature performances by notable artists including Phoivos Delivorias, Fotini Velesiotou, Maria Papageorgiou, Spyros Grammenos, Nefeli Fasouli, Natalia Rasouli, Frank Panx, Alex Kalofolias, Stournari street band, Vassilis Rallis, Pteryga 3, The Screaming Fly, Giorgos Fasolis and Bugarabu percussion, Damage Done, and Valvolini.

The concert is a response to the June 14, 2023, incident where nearly 600 immigrants and refugees from Pakistan, Egypt, Syria, and Palestine tragically drowned. The shipwreck survivors allege that their vessel capsized due to being violently towed by a Coast Guard vessel in an attempt to push it back to Italy, describing the act as a heinous racist crime on Europe’s borders.

The Movement United against Racism and the Fascist Threat (KEERFA), organiser of the event, strongly criticises the Greek government and relevant authorities for their handling of the incident, accusing them of trying to shift the blame onto the survivors. They denounce the government’s efforts to cover up its involvement and the treatment of the victims, who are soon facing trial on May 21 in Kalamata on charges they deem scandalous.

KEERFA has outlined the following key actions and events as part of their ongoing campaign for justice:

  • May 15 at 9 am: Join the anti-fascist gathering at the Court of Appeal on Alexandras Avenue to protest against the decision to release Michaloliakos.
  • May 20 at 6 pm: Mobilise in solidarity at Syntagma Square in Athens to support the acquittal of the 9 surviving refugees of the Pylos shipwreck during the upcoming trial in Kalamata.
  • May 21 at 9 am: Gather at the Kalamata Courts and participate in a march to demand justice for the Pylos shipwreck survivors. A bus will depart from Karaiskaki Square in Athens at 5 am for those attending from the capital.
  • June 14: Mark the one-year anniversary of the Pylos tragedy with an international and nationwide mobilisation. A rally will be held at Propylaia in Athens at 7 pm, with parallel events in other cities.
  • Ongoing: Participation in demonstrations and actions outside Greek embassies around the world to continue raising awareness and pushing for accountability.

KEERFA encourages involvement from all sectors of society, including the left, unions, student associations, neighborhood collectives, and immigrant communities, to join these events and stand united in the fight against injustice.

The community is urged to join the rally on May 12 to stand in solidarity with the victims and to push for accountability and justice in the face of such tragic events.

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